CARES for Children
- Welcome Home
CARES for Children of Parents Struggling with Addiction
When a parent struggles with addiction, the roles in the family often shift. Maybe you became the caretaker too early. Maybe you’ve spent years trying to earn love, manage chaos, or carry pain that was never yours to begin with.
Whether you’re still in it—or still healing from it—CARES is here for you.
- resources designed specifically for the family
You’re Not Alone in This
Being the child of a parent with substance use disorder is complicated. You may love them deeply and still feel hurt, angry, or numb. You may feel guilt for stepping away, or shame for not doing more. You may not even know what’s “normal” anymore.
At CARES, we hold space for your story.
We are a volunteer-led community offering support, healing, and education for people impacted by a loved one’s addiction. Our weekly sessions are designed to help you untangle the confusion, validate your experience, and give you tools to move forward.
- We Are Here For You
Overcoming The Role Reversal of Being a Caregiver For a Parent
Caring for a parent who is grappling with addiction can present a multitude of challenges that often feel overwhelming. The emotional and physical exhaustion that arises from supporting someone who is deeply entrenched in substance abuse can lead to significant burnout. This situation is further complicated by the profound role reversal that occurs when adult children suddenly find themselves in the position of caregiver—taking on responsibilities that traditionally belong to the parent.
In this unique dynamic, children may face feelings of frustration, sadness, and even resentment as they navigate the complexities of their parent’s addiction while trying to maintain their own well-being. The weight of this responsibility can be heavy, leaving little room for self-care or personal growth.
To help manage these difficult emotions and situations, CARES provides a wealth of resources geared toward assisting caregivers. These resources are designed to empower you to prioritize your own mental and emotional health as much as you tend to the needs of your parent. By exploring these supportive tools, you can begin to establish healthier boundaries, reconnect with your own interests and passions, and ultimately find a more balanced approach to caregiving.
- A Community Who Cares
How CARES Can Help
Expert-Led Monday Talks
Hear from therapists, doctors, authors, and people in long-term recovery. Learn about family dynamics, trauma, boundaries, guilt, grief, and the unique challenges faced by adult children of addicts.
Resources That Empower, Not Overwhelm
Each speaker shares real tools you can access in the moment—books, podcasts, techniques, and healing frameworks. You can click into them during or after each session—no more guessing where to turn.
A Community That Gets It
CARES is where you don’t have to explain or justify your story. We understand what it’s like to carry adult responsibilities as a child, to parent your parent, and to grieve someone who’s still alive.
A Place to Reclaim Yourself
This is not just about understanding addiction. It’s about understanding how to protect your peace, set healthy boundaries, and begin to heal—without guilt.
- Why Join Us
Why CARES?
Because being the child of someone with an addiction doesn’t make you broken.
But it may have broken things that now need rebuilding.
We’re here to help you do that—with clarity, support, and love.
Join Us
We are excited to introduce the Cornerstone CARES speaker series, a collaborative initiative with The Texas CARES Program and the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Starting at Cornerstone Church ATX, our series aims to reach communities across the nation, creating a supportive environment for families affected by addiction. Through these sessions, we will share personal stories, expert insights, and evidence-based strategies to assist individuals and families on their journey to recovery. Join us in building a compassionate community dedicated to healing and hope.
- Articles + Events
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to show up.
The overarching mission of CARES is to create an environment where “those who love and protect can feel love and protection.” Each gathering is a step towards helping caregivers find clarity and confidence in their roles, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the recovery landscape without the burden of doubt.
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